E-Cigarettes: Information and Policy Statement

New York State

NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

Addition Services for Prevention, Treatment, Recovery

Addiction Medicine FYI

E-Cigarettes: Information and Policy Statement

Description and History

"E-cigarettes" or electronic cigarettes are made of long stainless steel tubes with chambers to hold replaceable cartridges filled with various concentrations and flavors of liquid nicotine. They are powered by a rechargeable battery, and because the vapor produced is odorless and doesn't contain tar or carbon monoxide, the manufacturers say their products don't put people at risk for second-hand smoke inhalation.

At the time of the enactment of the Tobacco-Free Regulation, E-cigarettes were not an important factor to consider.

Evidence Reviewed on the Issue

The FDA has not evaluated any e-cigarettes for safety or effectiveness.

When the FDA conducted limited laboratory studies of certain samples, FDA found significant quality issues that indicate that quality control processes used to manufacture these products are substandard or non-existent. FDA found that cartridges labeled as containing no nicotine contained nicotine and that three different electronic cigarette cartridges with the same label emitted a markedly different amount of nicotine with each puff.

Experts have also raised concerns that the marketing of products such as e-cigarettes can increase nicotine addiction among young people and may lead kids to try other tobacco products.

The high cost of the apparatus and refills.

The unknown effect of the nicotine carrier on the lung in its vaporized state.

The effect of the E-cigarette on patients attempting to quit cigarette use by introducing cues and triggers into the treatment environment.

Limited research on the effects/success of this form of treatment

Provider Concerns on the Issue

The need for a consistent policy across the OASAS provider system.

Policy Statement

The use of "E-cigarettes" in NYS OASAS licensed programs is allowed as they do not contain tobacco. It should be recognized, however, that new research does caution their use as there is a significant content of carcinogens. The use of this product could also cause cravings in those patients who wish to stop cigarette/cigar use as the act of smoking is a similar behavior.